Fran Kirby has come out to back her team, saying that she is fully convinced that England can deal with the pressure being mounted upon them to deliver in the Euro 2017 as it draws nearer.

The team has been on a high since they came off at the third position in Canada at the 2015 World Cup. On the FIFA world rankings, they climbed up to sit at an all-time high position of fourth place, before going on to qualify for the Euro with an unbeaten run.

Kirby is of the belief that she and her team mates are prepared mentally and otherwise to deal with the pressure that comes with being one of the top teams in focus.

Speaking on Sky Sports’ Sportswomen programme, Kirby was quoted as saying,

“The expectation is a lot higher now. We’re going to have a lot more attention on us. I think it’s a pressure we can deal with. There is always pressure in football, be that playing for your club or country.

“Before the World Cup there were some people doubting whether we could win under pressure and we did that.

“But everyone is so excited to get going and we want to carry on that momentum from the World Cup.”

The New Year will see them head on against Norway and Sweden later this month in La Manga.

Her debut for England came on in August 2014 against Sweden which saw her go on to knock Norway out of the last-16 stage of the World Cup.

Kirby noted that their game against Norway during the World Cup was a really good one, while not forgetting Sweden, a team that has always been difficult to play against. She sees them as two good warm-up games for the team.